#LifeLessons - The Biggest Life Learnings Of Tatiana Antonelli Abella

NAME: Tatiana Antonelli Abella

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: https://www.instagram.com/goumbook/

JOB TITLE: Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook

Tatiana Antonelli Abella is the Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook, a leading social enterprise dedicated to accelerating Sustainability and Climate Action in the UAE and beyond since 2009.

Goumbook shapes the global sustainability landscape by offering local solutions to corporates, youth, civil society, and the public sector. Through its programmes and initiatives, Goumbook mobilizes cross sectoral stakeholders to address the unique challenges faced by the MENA region, ensuring that our region's priorities are at the forefront of global sustainability efforts.

Goumbook was proud to conceptualise, and project manage Dubai Can, a campaign by H.H.Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.  

In 2024, she was selected by Boston Consulting Group as a V60, one of 60 top visionary women transforming the MENA region. In 2022, she was awarded the Mother Teresa Award for Environmental Stewardship and Excellence and in 2021 Tatiana was nominated by LinkedIn as a UAE Top Voice in Sustainability.

 

Today Tatiana shares with us her 3 biggest life learnings to-date:

#LIFELESSON – 1 - The Power of Early Action

Launching Goumbook in 2009, when sustainability was not yet a mainstream concern in the UAE, taught me the importance of early action. At that time, discussions around environmental responsibility were minimal, and many viewed sustainability as a passing trend. However, I believed in the necessity of initiating conversations about sustainable living and environmental awareness. This proactive approach allowed Goumbook to become a pioneer in the region, setting the stage for future sustainability initiatives. The lesson here is: taking early, decisive steps can position you as a leader and catalyst for change.

#LIFELESSON – 2 - Embracing Collaboration for Greater Impact

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned through my work is that collaboration is essential to drive meaningful change—especially in the sustainability space. With Goumbook, we’ve always believed that creating partnerships across sectors is the key to amplifying our impact.

By uniting different voices around a shared goal—we’ve seen a surge in awareness and tangible actions that were only possible through collective effort.

Working together across industries and disciplines reminds me every day that no one changes the world alone—real progress comes from building a movement.

#LIFELESSON – 3 - The Importance of Cultural Relevance in Sustainability

Operating in the Middle East has highlighted the necessity of aligning sustainability efforts with cultural values and practices. When we initiated the 'Give a Ghaf' tree planting programme, we chose the Ghaf tree not only for its environmental benefits but also for its cultural significance in the UAE. This approach fostered a deeper connection with the local community, making the initiative more impactful.